Our Father's Business

“So he called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas, and said to them, “Do business til I come.”           Luke 19:13  NKJV

It should come as no surprise that many in this country are more than disappointed in the results of the elections this past week.  Rather than continuing on the path of change for the better, it would appear that much of this country will instead keep on embracing leaders who will take this country down the road that leads to destruction.  As a practical matter, the question many believers are already asking themselves, especially as it relates to the economy, is how will this affect me?  In truth, if we look closely at this parable from Luke concerning the faithful servant, if we are doing what God expects from us it shouldn’t affect us at all.

In the King James version, the word “business” is translated “occupy”.  Used here, the word in the Greek is “pragmateuomai”, or occupy.  It is defined as “to be occupied in anything, to carry on a business.”  While certainly no one would disagree that the intent of this parable by Jesus was and is to focus our attention on the importance of carrying on His business of spreading the gospel, my thoughts are more focused on the word “occupy” and considering the message Jesus has for us there.

“Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways! “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Consider your ways!”  Haggai 1:5-7  NKJV

Although Haggai is considered to be one of the minor prophets, there is certainly nothing minor about his prophecy to the nation of Israel.  Haggai was the first prophet to appear after the end of the Babylonian captivity and when the Jewish people were again living in the land of Israel.  His prophecy towards the people was one of judgment from God because of their neglect to rebuild the Temple, something they had been given permission to do when they were released from their captivity.  This prophecy was given because fifteen years had passed and the people still had not finished the rebuilding, but rather had turned their focus to their personal well being.

Although the book of Haggai is just two chapters long, the word “consider” is used five different times by Haggai as God commands the people to examine their actions and the motivations behind them.  The word for consider in the Hebrew is suwm which is translated to put, make, set, lay, ordain, to bring to pass.  I found it interesting that nowhere does it say “think about it”, which would probably be our answer to the meaning of “consider”, but rather God is saying “do something” or “change” your ways because they are wrong.

Because they had chosen to ignore His instruction to rebuild the temple, God chose to remove His blessings from them in order to show His displeasure at their actions.  Haggai tells us that although the people were working very hard for personal gain, God decided to take it all away as a sign to them that no matter how hard they might work, if following God’s instructions were not their priority, nothing they did would bear fruit. 

“You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the LORD of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.”    Haggai 1:9  NKJV

The people who God had charged with the responsibility to rebuild the Temple were instead focused on their own lives, worrying about their personal comfort and gain.  Rather than making obedience to God’s instructions their priority, they were instead putting all their efforts into trying to improve their own situation by working for themselves.  Because of that, God admonishes them to consider their ways. The situation we find ourselves in today is a result of the actions of those in power wishing to subject the country to socialistic laws which in turn is creating economic hardship for many.  The resulting struggle has caused quite a number of people to begin to worry about future hardships, which in truth is only natural, yet should we too also listen to the admonition from God to consider our ways?

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?”                 Matthew 6:24-25  NKJV

Most of us work very hard at our jobs, knowing that the work we do brings us the means to provide for ourselves and our families.  There is certainly nothing wrong with that, especially if you consider that it is God who arranged for us to obtain the work that we have.  Yet if you look closely at the message from Haggai, it is obvious that what God is displeased with is the fact that the people focused all their efforts towards personal gain while ignoring their service to God.  When Haggai tells the people the message from God is to “consider their ways”, he is telling them to make their service to God the priority in their lives.

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”    Matthew 6:31-33  NKJV

The state of our country as it now stands, especially as we watch the arena of politics, it becomes ever more difficult to focus on putting God’s business first. Almost daily it seems, we are subjected to examples of just how pervasive evil is in the world today.  Yet this passage makes it clear that we are not to worry because God will provide for His people.  The questions we must ask ourselves today is are we “occupied” in serving God, or are we making the same mistake that the people did in Haggai?  Our trust should be in God to provide for our needs, and focus our efforts to protect the message of the Gospel. 

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”                                 2 Timothy 4:1-2  NKJV

While there appears that there will be no change forthcoming in the direction this country is headed, there should also be no change in the priorities we have as well.  As believers, our charge is the same as given to Timothy.  Our focus, our time, our efforts, should all be to make it our priority to spend time in the Word and be prepared to defend the faith, doing God’s business until He comes.  If not, don’t be surprised to find God bring all our efforts to nothing just as He did in Haggai.  Acknowledging that God is in control and choosing not to worry is a difficult task to say the least.  With that in mind, I want to share an excerpt from a study by Jack Kelley from gracethrufaith.com.

Is God In Control?

This brings us back to the original question, and here’s my answer. I believe things will turn out exactly like God said they will because He’s already seen the end, and He saw it from the beginning. But does that mean I believe God is in total control of everything that happens in the meantime? No, I don’t, and I think I’ve shown above that the Bible supports my opinion.

I believe when we become Christians we become aliens behind enemy lines. I believe we can expect God’s help in surviving if we turn over control of our lives to Him. But I think there’s a lot more to that than most people understand.

When Jesus said to take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23) He was calling us to do what He was doing.  And what was He doing?  Matt. 26:39 tells us He laid down His will in favor of His Father’s will.  Romans 12:1-2 explains that’s exactly what we’re called to do.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

We’re to lay down our will for our life and embrace His will for our life instead.

In Ephesians 4:22-24 Paul put it this way.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

I’ve seen a lot of people who give lip service to this command, and a few who actually obey it. But even those who do obey realize the world remains an evil place, and bad things can still happen.

Jesus said that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33),  but He also said He came so we can have an abundant life (John 10:10). We gain this blessing by laying down the life we have planned for ourselves and picking up the life He has planned for us.  In this way, we can experience a personal world where He is in total control no matter what is happening in the world around us, and where He is working even the bad things that happen together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Paul said our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). For that reason, he said, “we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). This life is temporary. It’s the next one that’s permanent.

This is also why Paul told us to live by faith not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), because even when we’re experiencing the adverse effects of this evil place, we can know that God has promised to work everything together for our good. Therefore, no matter how bad things might be, we can take heart in the fact that He has overcome the world, and through faith in Him we will too. Selah 10-20-12

https://gracethrufaith.com/topical-studies/spiritual-life/is-god-in-total-control-of-everything/

If we were to attempt to describe the direction our country and the world as well has decided to move in the past few years, an adjective used more and more lately is the word “divisive”.  Unfortunately for us as a society, it seems to have escaped notice that one of the world’s oldest strategies for achieving victory in any conflict is “divide and conquer”.  While many might argue the point, it seems perfectly obvious to me that the author of the divisiveness running rampant in our country today is none other than Satan, and his agenda is succeeding spectacularly.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7. NKJV

I believe the challenge for us as believers is twofold.  The first is to trust that God is in control, and the second would be to “consider” our ways and be certain we are “occupied” in the business of serving our God and trusting in Him to meet our needs.  The truth is, however, these promises are given only to those who have made the choice to believe.  If you have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ into your heart and accept the free gift of eternal life He has offered you, I urge you to do so right now. You can do that by praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered you by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Father, I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I believe you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for my sin, and I ask you now to forgive me of my sins. I want to receive your gift of salvation so please come into my heart and help me to live and follow you as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus' name, Amen.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”        2 Timothy 3:16-17  NKJV

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”   Hebrews 13:20-21  NKJV

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”              Revelation 3:10-11  NKJV

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Only One King

“For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.Be still, be quiet, and listen to Him speak.”  Psalms 47:7-8. NKJV

Once upon a time I travelled to northern New York state on vacation and found it to be quite different than what I had anticipated. Having never visited that part of the country I had no idea what to expect as far as what nature had to offer but figured that forest is forest and there wouldn’t be much of a difference between it and what we enjoy in the Pacific Northwest. As is my habit, I would get up rather early and take my coffee and walk outside to watch the world wake up, and as  we were staying in the country on the edge of the forest it only took a few steps for me to find myself swallowed up by my surroundings.

One of the things I noticed immediately which was very different from the forests I am used to is that if you are quiet, the forest there is louder and very much alive with the sounds of it's wildlife. So much so that I spent close to an hour one morning just trying to identify each of the sounds I heard with the animals that made them. By the end of our visit I learned enough to actually figure out who was talking and even their mood...(squirrels can be very vocal and emotional).

The argument could be made that this past year has seen the world around us begin to talk rather loudly, considering the geological and geopolitical events we have seen. There are numerous blogs and discussion groups to be found on the internet where many are sharing their ideas and conclusions to what it all means, and especially warnings about what the future might hold as we approach the end of 2025. The question for us as believers, however, is all of this just coincidence or is God beginning to speak in a way His creation will hear and possibly understand?

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah”

Psalms 46:1-11 NKJV

While all of the opinions and speculations are intriguing, my first thoughts when considering the events of the past few months went to my visit back East, and the words we find in both of these Psalms where God tells us to “be still”. The Hebrew phrase “be still” is the word raphah, which literally means to “relax, drop down, and be quiet”. When I read that I thought of how I did exactly that in the forest, and the result being that I suddenly began to hear what was going on around me.  So too, I believe, this may be good advice for us as believers at this particular time.

In the context of the Psalm, we are told that the day will come where God will speak in just the manner we may be seeing right now. The earth is shaking, the weather seems out of control, the future of the Middle East is uncertain to say the least, the economies of many nations are shaky with social unrest being the order of the day in virtually every nation. Israel is hoping the on again off again peace agreement in the Gaza Strip will hold, Russia and the Ukraine is a conflict which at present seems unsolvable and everyone wants to know just what it all means? For we as believers the answer is found in this Psalm where God tells us in no uncertain terms that He is the power behind all of this and we should be reassured that He “is our refuge and strength”.

Even within the body of Christ, the opinions and speculations of the past few months have led many to question if indeed we are approaching the time in history that most of us have been waiting for.  There is no question that the “labor pains” of this world are increasing in both frequency and intensity leading to a significant increase in the anticipation of the Church’s promised deliverance by Jesus Christ.  Yet some are of the opinion we have entered a period with more questions than answers.  My reply to that might be exactly who are you listening to for answers?  The passage from Psalm 47 states clearly that God is the only King and I believe it best to go to Him for the answers we seek.

“Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.“So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”  Matthew 24:32-35. NKJV

We can certainly make the argument that what we are seeing now, is in fact, the time Jesus told us to specifically watch for.  That said, who better to go to with our questions than our Father in heaven?  The Bible is full of stories and examples of people of faith calling on God for answers and listening for Him to respond.  Taking the time to simply rest quietly and listen while reading His Word and taking comfort in His promises is the best answer for understanding the times we are living in and witnessing the events around us that seem to be out of control.

If you have been wondering or troubled by all that has been happening in the past few months let the verses from Psalm 46 be a comfort to you. While it is easy to try and look for answers in the media, either worldly or spiritual, believers need to take the time to be quiet and think on His words to us in this Psalm and let the God of this universe speak to us with reassurance in order not to fear the events happening around us.  May we never forget that God is "a very present help in trouble". 

Rather than listening to other voices, and seeking answers elsewhere, may I suggest we go straight to the King with our questions.  It's important to understand that God operates on His own timetable and just where we are on His clock is something only He knows.  Instead of listening to speculations of timing and experiencing disappointment, I believe if we are quiet and listen carefully God, through the Holy Spirit, will tell us what He wants us to hear, and make sense of all that we are seeing occur.

It’s often been said that Israel is God’s timepiece and we can know where we are on God’s timetable by looking at the events occurring there.  As far as the conflict between Israel and it's neighbors, God addresses that particular problem in many passages but I chose this particular one to share with you today.

“But thus says the LORD: "Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the LORD, [am] your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob."

Isaiah 49:25-26 NKJV

I believe the Bible makes it clear that there will never be a lasting peace between Israel and its enemies until the end of this age.  Just this past week we have seen reports that Israel is gearing up to once again address the situation with Hezbollah in Lebanon while Iraq, Iran, and Yemen are also on their short list. The ultimate goal and purpose behind everything we see going on in the world today is that our God intends to show the entire world through the nation of Israel, that He alone is God.  What we see right now is the King of this world moving the pieces into place for just that time.  That the Church is still here shows us that God is still waiting for the perfect time to remove all true believers and then turn His attention to Israel and the plans He has for them.  

God is the only King in this world and everything is under His control.  Whether orchestrated by Him or allowed to occur by His divine permissive will, all that we are seeing is part of His plan for this world.  Regardless of how out of control things may appear, we can rest assured knowing the King is on His throne and we have nothing to fear.  Just as David did in these Psalms, we need to simply go to God through His Word and be still and listen for His response and instruction.  As David told us, God "is our refuge and strength".

God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to this earth for the sole purpose of sacrificing Himself so we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven.  The signs of His imminent return for us are all around us as we witness the world beginning to spin out of control. If you have never taken the step of accepting this gift of eternal life, I urge you to do it right now.  Simply pray a prayer like this one and confess to God your need for salvation, and accept the gift He provided for you by the death and resurrection of His own Son, Jesus Christ.

Jesus I know I am a sinner. I have sinned against you, but I know you loved me enough to send your Son, Jesus Christ to die for my sins and then rise from the dead so that I may live forever with You. Lord forgive me of my sins and come into my life and help me to begin to live for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Fall and Fruit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”   Galatians 5:22-23  NKJV

Growing up in Southern California, I was only familiar with two seasons; warm and hot. It took a move to the Pacific Northwest to experience what four seasons was really all about, and actually having four choices as to which one I enjoyed the most. I don’t know about any of you, but my favorite has always been the fall. Just to experience the relief from the long, hot summer, feel the weather changing, doing yard work as the leaves change color and then fall, and looking forward to taking it a little easier in the winter all bring me a sense of enjoyment.  Then, of course, there are the apples on my apple tree finally getting ripe and getting ready to be picked so I can turn them into my favorite homemade apple pie.

I personally think there is nothing so beautiful as a tree full of fruit ready for harvest. As a child in California, I always looked forward to seeing the hills turn orange when all the oranges on the trees would begin to turn color. It is the same now living where I do. Here in the fall, it’s the apple orchards I get to watch as the apples begin to turn red.  When they begin to ripen, the entire orchard changes color and if you have never seen an apple or orange tree full of fruit ready for picking, you have really missed something. I have also always been amazed by just how much fruit one tree can produce, especially on my own tree and how obvious it is when the fruit is ripe.

This past week as I began picking apples, my thoughts turned to the passage from Galatians with which I am sure most of us are familiar, that talks about the fruit of the Spirit. I even have a framed print of it hanging on a wall in my home to remind me of what is expected from me as a believer. “Expected”? Yes, if we accept the fact that being filled with the Holy Spirit is a choice, then it follows that producing the fruits of the Spirit is also a choice. In other words, the ability to produce the fruit of the Spirit is in us, but we must also choose to exhibit them. 

The three fruits of the Spirit mentioned in this passage from Galatians, longsuffering, kindness, and goodness, are ones I would describe as "demonstrative". They describe just how we as believers exhibit our relationship with God by how we interact with others. Just as you can see fruit on a tree and be attracted to it, people should be able to see us practicing our fruits of the spirit, and be attracted by them.

“[Exhort] bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all [things], not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”   Titus 2:9-10 NKJV

Paul tells Titus that one of his responsibilities is to exhort servants to “adorn” themselves, or in other words, to make the choice to adorn.  As I considered the subject of the fruits of the Spirit this week, I also realized that while my tree may be covered in fruit, it really becomes noticeable when they turn bright red in the fall.  What I think God expects from us as believers is to approach every single day with the thought of “how do I show others the fruit of the Spirit”?  So often we believe that if we arrive at a certain level of maturity in our walk with Christ the fruit will appear “naturally” in everything we do. However if we take a good look around, especially within the body, I think we can see that may not be the case.

I am sure most of you realize and would confess that we as believers sometimes stumble and exhibit fruits not of the Spirit.  At one time or another we all have acted or spoken in a manner which does not show any of the fruit listed in this passage. I am not suggesting that those who do not exhibit the fruits of the Spirit are not true believers, but rather that just as being filled with the Spirit is a choice, producing the fruit of the Spirit is a choice as well. It is one thing to go to church, study, fellowship, and grow as a believer, but it is another thing entirely to choose to put on and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”       Matthew 5:16 NKJV

 

Have you ever really stopped to consider that people are attracted to what they see?  I have always enjoyed the produce section of a market and appreciate the time and trouble they go to in order to present the fruits and vegetables in an attractive display.  It is almost as if they want to tempt you to touch and feel and ultimately purchase what they are displaying.  As believers, how often do we think about how our spiritual makeup can affect, and even attract, the attention of non-believers?  Choosing to put on the fruits of the Spirit, however, is only the first step because like all fruit, our spiritual fruit must be cultivated.

A memory I will always have is waking up at night when the wind machines would turn on in the orchards to protect the fruit from freezing. If you are not familiar with that, many orchards have large airplane propellers with motors mounted on poles high above the trees. When the temperature would approach freezing, these would turn on to circulate the air and prevent frost from forming on the trees. Imagine living next to an airport when 20 or so airplanes start their engines at the same time and you will begin to understand what I experienced. The "outward" fruits are a result of believers growing in the warmth of God's love. The closer you are to God, the greater the warmth and the more you grow.

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”     Psalms 34:8  NKJV

My uncle was an orchardist, and I remember accompanying him often while he drove around to different orchards resetting sprinklers and taking care of business. (with five kids, this was probably my mother's answer to daycare) Although it didn't occur to me then, not only did his work require a lot of physical effort, it was necessary for the trees to get the proper amount of water to produce their fruit.  The trees had to be pruned properly, be protected from insects which could harm the fruit, and often weeds would have to be controlled so as to not rob the trees of the water they needed to grow.  A result of cultivating a healthy relationship with God is growth, which occurs when we make the effort to take in the knowledge to be found in His Word which He has provided for us. As a result, our "fruit" will grow in proportion to what we take in.

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”   James 1:2-4 NKJV

“let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”     Hebrews 10:22 NKJV

Just like seeing ripe apples on a tree and wanting to pick one, people are attracted by what they see and as believers we are encouraged to adorn ourselves in such a way as to attract others to the source of our fruit, Jesus Christ. May we as believers choose to cultivate our relationship with Christ in such a way as to grow our fruit for the world to see.  

There are many passages in the Word which refer to the “harvest” of believers and especially to the fall as the season of the harvest.  Could this be a clue from our Father that the rapture of the Church will occur in the fall season?  Only God knows but if that were to be the case I believe it is important for us to be ripe in the sense that we are reflecting the fruits of the Spirit as God has intended us to do.

Have you received the free gift of salvation God has provided for you?  Jesus loved you enough that He gave His life in order to have a personal relationship with you. When you believe in Him and accept His death as His payment for your sin, He forgives you and welcomes you into the family of God.  If you are reading this today and have never made the decision to accept Jesus Christ into your heart and accept the free gift of eternal life He has offered you, I urge you to do so right now. You can do that by praying this prayer and accepting the gift of eternal life God has offered you by the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.

Dear Father in heaven, I believe in your son Jesus. I believe that He died on the cross for my sins, that He rose up from the grave, and that my sins are forgiven.  Forgive me of my sin, help me to walk with you, and thank you for saving me. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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